This past Friday I had the opportunity to speak before a Jazz concert at a local church in Newtown, PA. The artist, and PBU adjunct professor in the school of music, was Ruth Naomi Floyd. She is an amazing talent who combines a depth of historical relevance to her celebration of the hope of Christ. Here are the opening paragraphs to my address:
It is an honor to be asked to speak with you this evening on this topic of jazz, food, and redemption. Furthermore, it is an honor that has come with trepidation … especially having to be a prelude to Ruth Naomi Floyd. Wow! She is a blessing and after seeing her in concert in 2007, my wife and I have been bragging on her behalf ever since.
But what really made me anxious for this evening is ... I am not a musician. I can’t read music or play an instrument, and trust me you don’t want to hear me sing. I did not grow up in a family that exposed me to musical styles such as classical, baroque, blues, or jazz. And if you would have told me 20 years ago that someday I would be speaking on this topic I would I have said that you have obviously confused me with someone else. I’m sorry to say that when I was a student at PBU, if Ruth Floyd had been giving a concert in our chapel, I would have not have been remotely interested in attending.
You can read more about Ruth and listen to some samples of her music on her website at: http://www.ruthnaomifloyd.com/. You will not be disappointed.
